Journey into China with Linda Page
It was the Journey of a Lifetime
Our flight to China was surprisingly comfortable, but very, very long. Having recently completed my own certificate in Chinese herbal studies, I felt blessed at this opportunity to learn more and to see authentic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in action. I also knew most of the 29 people on the tour were students or graduates of Clayton College, so I was looking forward to hearing their stories and learning more about natural health from them.
Beijing–China’s Capital City
When we arrived in Beijing we were all tired and a little disoriented. Our national tour guide, Yin Shuo, started teaching us Mandarin phrases to help us communicate right away. Throughout the tour Yin continually impressed us with his vast knowledge of Chinese culture and tradition.
On our first day we woke up early to find Beijing humming with energy and people. While more and more Chinese are driving cars, there are still over ten million bicycles on the city streets, carrying everything from groceries to industrial sized soup pots to supply food for local restaurants.
We traveled to the Great Wall of China, which stretches more than 4,000 miles and is visible from outer space. The Great Wall was a daunting climb, but we took our time, and everyone made the journey to the first lookout tower. Built over 2,000 years, Yin explained that archeologists continue to find more sections of the Great Wall, even in the Gobi desert.
Dr. Linda Page, adjunct professor at Clayton College, gave the first of many informative lectures on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She explained that in the 1920s archeologists excavated the remains of the famous cave man, “Peking man,” who lived some 300,000 to 500,000 years ago in Beijing. The polished stones, bone needles and bamboo shafts found near Peking man’s remains are believed to have served as his acupuncture and acupressure tools.
The next day we each received complimentary Chinese massage treatments and Chinese pulse and tongue diagnosis from resident medical doctors at a famous Chinese pharmacy. We also visited a Chinese medical hospital where herbal treatments, cupping, acupuncture and moxibustion were the therapies of choice. As I watched the doctors and resident staff bagging up herbal prescriptions for their patients, I couldn’t help but envy how even in the medical hospitals the Chinese way of life is still so close to nature.
An evening rickshaw ride through Beijing’s Hutong district showed us the humble life of local people. In the old city, Hutong’s families live in cramped quarters in alleyway homes without modern conveniences like plumbing or central heating. The close–knit communities embody the charm of the Chinese people and their traditions. Residents keep their doors open for neighbors, guests, or other visitors to drop by at any time to share food, tea, or spend time together.
Xi’an—A Glimpse into China’s Ancient Past
Xi’an was another fabulous destination on the tour. The archaeological excavation site of the famous terra–cotta warriors, the 8th wonder of the world, is awe inspiring. The warriors were built in the 2nd century B.C. by the great unifier of China, Emperor Qin, who secretly ordered the sculpted warriors be buried with him as protection in after life. It is believed that as many as 6,000 terra–cotta warriors and horses will eventually be unearthed in the largest subterranean pit.
In contrast we also visited a much more humble site—a farming village where many residents still live in the ancient style in caves. The cave village offered new insight into the lifestyle of many Chinese. Yin explained that farmers still account for about 60% of China’s 1.3 billion residents. He shared that although most Chinese farmers have plenty of food, they have very little money for education, clothing, or supplies for the home.
From the Beautiful Countryside of Guilin to the Bright Lights of Shanghai
After Xi’an, we flew to Guilin, the most picturesque place we visited in all of China. With its sharp peaked mountains and clear skies, Guilin exemplifies the beauty of China’s vast countryside. Rice fields cover the landscape, and farming and fishing villages lining the Li river seem to be flourishing.
Our final destination in China was Shanghai with its bright lights and skyscrapers. Shanghai has the highest population density of any city in the world and has earned its reputation as a sophisticated Western style metropolis. On our final night together we took a river cruise over the Huangpu river to view the impressive Pudong skyline.
Getting Closer
On one of our bus rides Dr. Page asked us each to get up and share a life defining moment with the group. We learned so much from one another, and this exercise really cemented our bonds.
Dr. Page shared her own story about how she nearly died from following a restrictive, extended detoxification diet. She explained how the experience showed her that whole herbs and food can help you heal from even serious health issues. Sharing her healing knowledge with others became her primary mission and catalyst for her own successful career in natural health.
One woman shared how she used Chinese herbs to heal herself from blocked fallopian tubes and went on to conceive two children. A couple on the trip explained how they opened a shelter in Thailand where they house and educate young women who are at risk for being lost into child prostitution.
Our national guide Yin shared his story of growing up during China’s turbulent Cultural Revolution. During these years of strict governmental control, Yin’s family was torn apart and his father was sent to a Chinese labor camp for rehabilitation for over 10 years because of a simple misunderstanding. Yin amazed us with his personal strength, wealth of knowledge, patience and generosity.
My opportunity to work with Linda Page over 10 years ago was a life–defining moment that empowered me with the knowledge to turn my health after a fast–food, chemical lifestyle nearly destroyed my health in college. My working relationship with Linda created the opportunity to coauthor a book on fertility and natural pregnancy care. Our first book together, Do You Want To Have A Baby?, is scheduled to be published in March, 2006.
Saying Goodbye
We were people from all walks of life, but we felt surprisingly comfortable with each other by the end of the trip—like old friends who you can never really forget, wherever you are.
See more pictures from our trip to China on Linda Page’s Web site.
Sarah Abernathy
Herbal Consultant for Healthy Healing LLC
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